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More Rural Physicians are Spending Time on Emergency & Urgent Care

Rural PhysiciansA recent report by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that approximately one out of every 15 family physicians spends as much as 80 percent of their time in emergency or urgent care, and this figure is even higher in rural areas. Yet, in many ways, these findings aren’t altogether surprising. Physicians who practice in more isolated areas, such as rural communities, tend to provide a wider range of healthcare services, with specialization less common than in urban environments. As many as one half to two thirds of all physicians in rural areas are family physicians.

At the American Board of Physician Specialties, through the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM), we are pleased to offer family physicians with substantial experience working in emergency departments the opportunity to pursue board certification in emergency medicine, even if they completed their ACCGME or AOA residencies in another primary care discipline. We recognize that rural physicians are often called upon to dedicate their careers to emergency and urgent care to address the needs of their communities, and we believe these specialists with substantial experience deserve the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of this essential specialty. By becoming board certified by the ABPS, these family practice physicians who practice in our rural emergency departments will also have more opportunities to connect with fellow Diplomates, pursue CME, and provide even better care to their diverse patient base.

There is a distinct shortage of board certified emergency medicine physicians in the United States, and this shortage is particularly significant in areas outside of urban centers. As a result, family physicians tend to fill the workplace gap, and these men and women deserve the opportunity to be recognized with board certification. Furthermore, board certification legitimizes the physician’s experience and expertise in emergency medicine, makes them more marketable to potential future employers, and can provide significant insurance incentives for staffing EM physicians.

For more information about the certification process, the benefits to pursuing board certification in emergency medicine, and our various eligibility requirements, contact us today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
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